Christmas Open House held at Tri-County Literacy Council in Cornwall

Mrs. Claus made her annual visit to the Tri-County Literacy Council's annual Christmas Open House, and it included spending some time with Dina McGowan, the executive director, on Wednesday, December 5, 2018, in Cornwall, Ont. The event was attended by the TCLC's learners, volunteers, staff, community partners and others.
Todd Hambleton/Cornwall Standard-Freeholder/Postmedia NetworkTodd Hambleton / Todd Hambleton/Standard-Freeholder

It was a celebration, and an opportunity to look ahead at what promises to be a busy 2019.

The Tri-County Literacy Council’s annual Christmas Open House was held on Wednesday afternoon.

“It’s a celebration of our place in the community, and a sharing with the community,” said Dina McGowan, TCLC executive director.

The open house theme was “Bring a dessert, enjoy a dessert,” and it was also an opportunity to spend time with the TCLC’s learners, volunteers, guests and community partners.

Guests included Cornwall Mayor Bernadette Clement, who read from A Christmas Carol, and Mrs. Claus, a visitor each year at this time to the TCLC, which specializes in addressing adult literacy needs in SDG, with free training including Literacy and Basic Skills (LBS) upgrading, General Education Development (GED) preparation, basic computer training and occupational training for entry-level positions.

And 2019 is already shaping up as another busy year.

“We’ve got a lot happening,” McGowan said.

Early in the spring, a new course being offered will be focusing on mental health strategies, “particularly to help (those with mental health challenges) get gainful employment,” McGowan said. “We’re currently writing the curriculum (for the course).”

Also in the new year, the TCLC will be introducing R Tools, a course that’ll build a tool box for parents of children about to enter into school.

“We’ll be teaching parents how to navigate and interact with the school system,” she said.

Those are just a couple of new courses that’ll be offered.

“People should always watch for new courses,” McGowan said. “It changes all the time, because our economy changes, people’s needs change, the city changes. . . so we respond to those needs.”

New programs coming up include Microsoft Excel, which begins on Jan. 7. Classes will run Mondays and Wednesdays from 1 to 4 p.m. for six weeks.

Participants will learn how to use the popular computer program for job searches and career exploration. The basics of Microsoft Excel will be taught, with participants creating spreadsheets including a job search login to keep track of the positions they apply for.

Landscaping and Ground Maintenance Labourer starts on Jan. 28. It’s especially for people who like to work outdoors, and participants will learn essential skills related to the position and meet industry guest speakers, with course topics including soil preparation, garden design, plants and safety at work. Class runs Monday to Thursday (9 a.m. to 12 p.m.) for five weeks

Communication Counts, a training program that examines rights in the workplace, dealing with conflict and assertiveness, begins Feb. 11 with classes Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 12 noon for four weeks.

Anyone interested in the free training offered at the TCLC must be at least 19, out of school, without necessary literacy skills and able to set goals and demonstrate progress.

More information on how to get started can be obtained by calling 613-932-7161.